Credit score

[Pabe 2]

I tryed secured card and Target card but didn´t get either. Instead I was able to open a credit card to Sears store. I really woulnd´t need it otherwise but I will keep it for 2 years, and keep buying something small, so I can get my credit history opened. They gave me the card even though I don´t have my Us ID yet, I used my passport to open it. I also have a joined credit card with my husband but our bank said it wont start my credit history anymore like it used to years ago.

I also bought a phone from AT&T and they will bill you at home if you give them $500. I believe this also will be seen in your credit history. They will give you the 500 back after one year if you have payed all your bills on your new phone.

[lilly1986 5]

duplicate threads have been merged. a third sent to the graveyard as it had no replies.

please do not start duplicate or triplicate threads about the same topic.

umm i did not do that on purpose, VJ does that all the time when i am trying to post something.

Thanks everyone for the input!!!

[DM & JM 12]

Most likely because you don't have a credit history yet?

I agree. It is not that they can't access it, what they mean is that there is not credit history at all. A secured credit card is the best option as others have suggested or if your spouse has credit cards, he/she can contact any credit card company and add your name to the account. Make sure they include your SSN on the account because that will be the only way you can start building your own credit history. This is what many people do,including myself. Good luck.

[kzielu 1,149]

Why don't you try to open a credit card with your wife / husband as a co-signer instead of signing for in-store cards ? I got $3k limit with no credit history at all and did not really ask for it - said whatever limit you give, it will be OK.

[Scafidi454 22]

hey everyone, i recently got married to a USC. I got here on a K1Visa. We are trying to build my credit by putting bills in my name. we just tried to get the cable bill in my name and once again we got the answer: we are sorry, we cant put in ur name, because we cant access ur credit record. So they are not turning it down because its bad or there is none at all but they cant access it. I have a SSN since 2006 (was here as a student). I tried to check my credit on my own but i cant. they ask for ur current address and then they ask if i live there for 2 years. My answer: NO. then they ask for my former address (which is in germany) but they only allow to fill in a US address. since i can not file that part out they dont show me my record...... someone knows what to do?thx in advance.

If you have a credit report, you should be able to access it here: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

You're allowed one free credit report a year through that website - It's legit. However, it won't give you the score without paying.

[jjbandero 39]

With regard to not being able to check your credit report, you mentioned you were previously here as a student, you can put in all of your prior addresses in US to see if that will work. For instance, if you were in the US in 2008, stayed for 2 years, returned to Germany in 2010, and came back in 2011; then you can try putting in first your 2011 address, then your addresses during 2008 and 2009. If you continue having issues, you could contact one of the major credit ratings agencies to see if they can offer any additional advice on getting your report.

Cheers

[l.iber.tatis 7]

I used the last address i had in the US before I left in August 2010 to check my credit score. And as my current address I use my husbands since it´s the address the bank has (even if I live in Austria right now). i managed to build up a OK credit score within one year by using a secured credit card to get little things...

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Check your score, if you have one, at creditkarma.com for free. Best places to get credit are cheap jewelry stores where they sell $100 jewelry for $200 with $100 down. Places that advertise credit to anyone who ALSO report to the three major bureaus. Some car dealers will give you a car with 50% down. You cal also get a secured bank loan. Put $1,000 in the bank and borrow $1,000 against it and pay it back on time. You will pay the interest and loan charges and have credit soon after.

Thanks so much for this CreditKarma link. I don't know how accurate it is but in 5 months of having a secured CC I have a 720. Prior to that card I had no credit history. I couldn't get store cards or anything because of my lack of history. I admit I haven't TRIED to get store cards since getting the secured card and I'm going to wait a little bit longer but I think a 720 after such a short period is pretty good

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Duplicate sorry

Edited January 6, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[phel 3]

A big thank you for that creditkarma link.

My husband and I went car shopping this weekend. We found our dream car (very reasonably priced and advertised as 0% financing). I've been here nearly a year and have two credit cards in good standing but didn't know my credit score. Well, when the dealership took my application, they said that I didn't have a credit score, and because I was a permanent resident and not a citizen, the lowest rate their bank could offer me was 8% with $2000 down.

We walked out. A citizen wouldn't tolerate paying 8% more than anyone else just because of their nationality and I sure as hell won't.

A$$holes.

Turns out my number is above 700.

[Robert&Karen 264]

The magic number for cars is 721. If you have from 721 or 850 (the max) they will let you drive the car off the lot.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Robert&Karen

[phel 3]

The magic number for cars is 721. If you have from 721 or 850 (the max) they will let you drive the car off the lot.

Mine's 722.

That is discrimination. Their ads should have a disclaimer at the bottom: 0% financing on approved credit* Unless you're a foreigner, in which case we'll charge you twice the normal financing APR.

Edited January 10, 2012 by phel